L'Arlequin — Restaurant in Béziers

Edit 23/08/23: The reply to this review should tell any would be customers what an awful attitude the owner has. It matches perfectly the attitude with which his staff “work” with. You can see the rot starts from the top and works down. I attach a photo of the transaction at this venue by way of proof of having, sadly, the misfortune to visit. I would suggest it is the owner who needs to go out more: there are plenty of actually good restaurants at the same price point; maybe you’d learn if you listened.

I have rarely had a worse dining experience. This was an appalling place. For a third rate pizza and an inedible desert we first waited 30 minutes (whilst two other tables were seated before us by an incompetent man tried and failed to manage a tiny queue of victims) and then spent nearly two miserable hours having our senses assaulted by an overly busy restaurant with two singers murdering every song they screeched out. There were no shortage of moments when we thought we might just do better to leave immediately. The server informed us after a 25 minute wait for ice cream that they were busy and it would be some time still before these would materialise; so we cancelled them and asked for the bill. He finally brought this, with the deserts on saying it was too late and that they’d been made. They were so bad we left them. Then I tried to pay and though throughout the restaurant and on the menus it says one can pay with American Express it seems they don’t in fact anymore so we went through a ridiculous song and dance trying to pay. Many wiser people didn’t wait and instead left. How I wish we’d been less eager to eat. In the end we paid €90 for food I would describe as poorly served muck. I am amazed such a restaurant exists in France. The service took 30 minutes min. for anything - menu / drink / bill. I just hope others may heed...

I arrived there around 12:30am and order a glass of wine directly served a paid at 12:38am as they ask for immediate payment 😅. At 01:09am I settle a second glass and settle a third glass at 01:41am. (The 3rd glass has been ordered, served and settle without any comments but I had to asked twice as the server forgot the first. It can happen but 5 servers were talking at the reception during this time) at 01:45am a buncer approached me to inform that they will close in 5 minutes so 01:50am. I informed that I just ordered a new glass, he commented « you will not leave in 1hour » which I replied « no but I will not leave in 5 minutes » at 01:54 a second bouncer approached and said « please we are closing » I asked to see the manager of the bar. Once he arrived 2 bouncers came as well and 3 of them were surrendered me (I was alone that night) I explained the situation as above, he then said ok you talk much now it’s my turn to explain. He mentioned that everyone should know that bars closed at 2am. First bouncers approached before 2am mentioning a closing time before 2am. Second one the bouncer had bad behaviour and the manager had to hold him as he seemed willing using hands which I had to mention to call police as they were still 3 of them surrounding my table. The 2 bouncers ´ finally left and only the manager stayed repeating the same thing that people should know bars close at 2am. I tried to explain that the server didn’t inform me when I order the last glass at 01:41am and it is not mentioned anywhere. He added « common, you don’t need 20 minutes to drink a glass of wine » which if you look above, each orders had more than 30 minutes gap. In fact there was not even an apologies for the manager with zero compassion or empathy to try to understand. It is a tourist place we’re guest are only here to spend money...

We visited L’Arlequin on July 29th, a group of 4 adults, 1 child, and 2 babies, hoping to enjoy some ice cream and drinks during the summer heat. We appreciated the shaded terrace and mist machines and were looking forward to a relaxing break.

Unfortunately, the experience quickly turned sour due to the incredibly rude attitude of one of the waitresses—a thin woman with long brown hair and heavy eyeliner. As I struggled to unclip my twin babies from their carrier, she approached and said “bonjour”—which I didn’t catch, as I was clearly preoccupied. She then leaned in and repeated it in a condescending tone, as though scolding a child. Her attitude was already unpleasant from that moment.

We looked over the menu, which was disappointing in itself—pages of ice cream and desserts but no photos, making it difficult for the non-French speakers in our group to choose. We’re on holiday, and photo menus are helpful and common in tourist areas. Her attitude, combined with the unhelpful menu, led us to decide we’d rather take our business elsewhere—especially with so many other spots along the port.

When we stood to leave, she sarcastically asked, “Is something wrong?” My mother politely explained we’d prefer a menu with photos. The waitress snidely responded, “You speak French, so you can read,” and added, “Good luck finding a place with photos of their ice creams.” For the record, just a short walk away is Café Del Sol, which does have photo menus and polite staff.

We can’t comment on the food or drinks because we didn’t stay long enough to order. But based on the poor customer service alone, we wouldn’t return. If this waitress dislikes dealing with the public so much, perhaps she should consider a different job. L’Arlequin might be in a prime location, but that doesn’t excuse rude and unprofessional behavior. Avoid.

Nous avons visité L’Arlequin le 29 juillet, un groupe de 4 adultes, 1 enfant et 2 bébés, dans l’espoir de profiter d’une glace et de boissons rafraîchissantes sous la chaleur estivale. Nous avons apprécié la terrasse ombragée et les brumisateurs, et étions impatients de passer un moment agréable.

Malheureusement, l’expérience a rapidement tourné au vinaigre à cause de l’attitude extrêmement désagréable d’une serveuse — une femme mince aux longs cheveux bruns et avec beaucoup d’eye-liner. Alors que j’essayais tant bien que mal de détacher mes jumeaux de leur porte-bébé, elle s’est approchée et a dit « bonjour ». Je ne l’ai pas entendue tout de suite, étant clairement occupée. Elle s’est alors penchée sur moi et a répété « bonjour » d’un ton condescendant, comme si elle grondait un enfant. Son attitude était déjà très désagréable à ce moment-là.

Nous avons regardé le menu, qui était décevant — plusieurs pages de glaces et desserts, mais aucune photo, ce qui n’aide pas vraiment les membres du groupe qui ne parlent pas français. Nous sommes en vacances, et dans les zones touristiques, les menus avec photos sont souvent appréciés et utiles. Entre le ton de la serveuse et le menu peu clair, nous avons décidé d’aller ailleurs — d’autant plus qu’il y a de nombreux autres établissements le long du port.

Au moment de partir, elle a lancé avec sarcasme : « Il y a un problème ? » Ma mère a répondu poliment que nous préférions un menu avec photos. La serveuse a rétorqué sèchement : « Vous parlez français, vous pouvez lire. » Puis elle a ajouté : « Bonne chance pour trouver un endroit avec des photos de glaces sur le menu. » Pour son information, à quelques pas de là, Café Del Sol propose justement un menu illustré et un accueil bien plus chaleureux.

Nous ne pouvons pas juger la nourriture ni les boissons, car nous avons quitté les lieux avant de commander. Mais rien que pour l’accueil glacial et le manque de respect, nous ne reviendrons pas. Si cette serveuse n’aime pas son métier, elle devrait envisager une profession sans contact avec le public. L’Arlequin bénéficie peut-être d’un bon emplacement, mais cela ne justifie en rien un tel...